Film Unit & Resources - I. Pre Production

Pre Production

Part 3
Getting started
PRE PRODUCTION
Students can work in groups each with their own assignment. One student for each section

LOCATIONS –

Students will create a location sheet with all dates and locations they are shooting, with the scenes they are filming
Students need to find different locations in the school that they will be using to shoot their film. They will need to get approval and sign out the location. Creating a calendar for different areas of the school, this helps the students to sign out the room and so other students know it is booked at different times.

Example of using a Location Sheet

Date	Location	Scene #	Time	Day	Approval
Jan 7th	Office	4	2:30-3:00	4	Teacher/Principal

Student handout included – they should type out a copy.

SCRIPT / Screen play–

student will have to work closely with the storyboard
Script should include, title, place, have a beginning, middle and end
Screenplay should be written in the proper format, title center to page, all character names are Capitalized, shot types are capitalized, When character is talking it is centered on the page, each scene number should be bolded and capitalized.
create script in proper format – see example

For script examples visit: http://www.simplyscripts.com/

SOUND –

Student should get sound effects needed for the film
All music and effects they use should be copy write free
Create a list of all sound effects needed, make sure to include what scene the effect is needed for
working with the script writer they will need to make a sound list with all sound effects, music and what scenes they are needed for
for free sound effect downloads visit: http://www.a1freesoundeffects.com/
Copy of student worksheet attached
If have more time students can create their own music with garage band

Example of using Sound Sheet

Sound Effect	Song/Music	Scene #
Door Bell		4
	Garage Band song #2	5, 7, 8

COSTUMES –

students should get all costumes and accessories made or found before shooting days
sign off when costumes arrive at school
create character sketch of each character on 8 ½ X 11 paper of what the character is wearing – if they have a costume change additional costume sketches will be needed.
Include what scene each costume is used for and accessories
Example of Character sketch and costumes outline attached.

Example of Costume sheet

Character	Costume/prop	Scene #	At School
John	Jean	1,2,3,4
John	Blue Shirt	1,2,3,4
Alice	Purple Dress	1,2,3,4
Alice	Green Dress	5

Movie Poster-

students should use Adobe Photoshop
(high School) or www.sumopaint.com (elementary)
Student will need to include the name of the movie, the names of the students in group and jobs (costumes designer, Screenplay written by, ECT.),
a picture of what the movie is about
A catchy slogan on the poster

Preview/ Trailers –

Students can use Movie Maker or imovie to create their short preview, using pictures or video footage – 1 minute maximum
Should include the title, what the film is about, include catchy slogan and inform audience when film is coming out.
DVD Attached has Student Previews

Animation –

student will create a short 30 second animation of their production company name
this will be played at the beginning of the film
students will create 1 second slide on www.sumopaint.com or Photoshop, or paint
students will then upload each picture into imovie or movie maker
If students need some help – video on how to make animations in Paint
DVD Attached has student animation
Example of Lions Gate Intro clip and Pixar Intro clip

PROPS & SET –

Students will need to bring all props and set pieces to school before filming
Students will need to paint backdrops for filming
Students will need to create a check list of all props and set pieces need – include what scene numbers.

Example of Props sheet

Props	Background	Scene #	At School
Book		1,2,4, 5
	Store sign WALLY	3,4,5
Pen		1
	Ocean	6,7

STORYBOARD –

student will need to draw out the shot types they will be using for each scene
very important part of preparation and organization
This helps the students when they go to film to use their time appropriately, when they finish filming the shot they cross it out.